Updates on in-person learning, special education, + more from Lynn Public Schools | March 19, 2021

Dear Lynn Public Schools Families,

I understand the challenge in making a decision for the remainder of the year now. Please know that after April 1st, the day on which kindergarten returns for in-person learning, there are precisely 10 school weeks remaining in the school year. Shifts between in-person and remote during that period of time will be disruptive. I invite you to review the timeline below. You may also watch the recent Virtual Town Hall during which a detailed discussion of the return to in-person learning is discussed or review the PowerPoint Presented. Also, as always, the staff at your student’s school is willing to support you in making the best decision for your student. I welcome you to contact your student’s school with any questions or concerns.

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Special Education update

Dear Families,

During the week of March 29, 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Lynn Public School District. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

Parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other activities may include interviews of school staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and observations.

Parents and other individuals may email Dee Wyatt, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at Dee.Wyatt@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the review, the chairperson will provide the Lynn Public School District with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.

Thank you,
Phylitia Jamerson
Administrator of Special Education

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The above information is courtesy of the Lynn Public Schools